The publication is reproduced in full below:
INTRODUCTION OF THE AFRICAN DESCENT AFFAIRS ACT
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HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS
of florida
in the house of representatives
Thursday, February 18, 2021
Mr. HASTINGS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce a resolution with my colleagues, Representatives Gregory Meeks, Sheila Jackson Lee, Gwen Moore, and Bobby Rush to introduce the African Descent Affairs Act. As we celebrate Black History Month and continue to highlight the International Decade for People of African Descent, we have seen a sharp increase in racism, anti-Semitism, xenophobia, and other forms of prejudice and discrimination across the globe. Global racial justice movements in response to the tragic death of George Floyd have not only drawn attention to the problem, but also to opportunities to join international efforts to develop and implement global and national solutions.
To aid these efforts, I have introduced the African Descent Affairs Act to improve the situation of people of African descent around the world by establishing, within the United States State Department, a Global Office of African Descent Affairs. In addition to developing global foreign policy and assistance strategies for people of African descent, the bill would also create a ``Fund'' to support anti-
discrimination and empowerment efforts by African descent led civil society organizations; require Annual State Department Human Rights Reports to include a section on discrimination faced by people of African descent; and create similar initiatives at the United States Agency for International Development that would work in partnership with the State Department.
U.S. foreign policy strategies such as these have improved the situation of vulnerable groups internationally and would greatly assist in responding to increasing levels of prejudice and discrimination faced by people of African descent around the globe. The State Department has already launched many successful initiatives that have aided specific and vulnerable populations, such as the Office of Global Women's Issues, the Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism--now an Ambassadorship, and special initiatives and funds focused on disability, LGBTQ+ and other communities.
I am greatly encouraged by recent Executive Orders from President Biden focused on equity and justice in this country and see the adoption of the African Descent Affairs Act as complementary to these domestic actions. Implemented together, these actions could facilitate the full and equal participation of people of African descent around the world. I urge you to join me in supporting this bill.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 31
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